Harrogate Convention Centre’s £9.4m makeover begins – here’s what’s changing

One of Harrogate’s most recognisable landmarks is finally getting the major makeover many have been waiting for.

Work has officially begun on a £9.4 million transformation of Harrogate Convention Centre, with improvements designed to attract bigger conferences, bring more visitors to the town and secure the venue’s future for decades to come.

For local businesses, hotels, restaurants and shops, the project could prove just as significant as it is for the venue itself.

Why the upgrade matters

Since opening in 1982 – when it famously hosted the Eurovision Song Contest – Harrogate Convention Centre has welcomed hundreds of thousands of delegates and become one of the town’s biggest economic drivers.

Yet despite its impressive 2,000-seat auditorium and 13,000 square metres of exhibition space, the building has struggled to compete with newer venues because it lacks the large breakout areas modern conference organisers now expect.

This latest investment aims to change that.

What’s being improved?

The biggest change will see Studio Two transformed into flexible breakout facilities capable of accommodating around 1,200 delegates, making the venue far more attractive for large national conferences.

Visitors can also expect to see:

• Modern breakout and meeting spaces.
• Energy-efficient cooling systems replacing ageing equipment.
• Brand-new carpets throughout the building.
• Contemporary timber wall finishes creating a brighter, more welcoming interior.

Together, the improvements will give the convention centre a fresher, more modern feel while reducing long-term running costs.

A major boost for Harrogate

Conferences bring thousands of visitors to Harrogate every year, filling hotels, restaurants, cafés and independent shops across the town.

North Yorkshire Council believes the redevelopment will help attract even more high-profile events, with the upgraded venue expected to generate more than £1.5 million in additional annual income within ten years.

Council leader Carl Les said the investment is essential if Harrogate is to remain competitive in the conference market.

“We recognise that the building needs to be modernised to make sure that it can continue to compete alongside its rivals in the conferencing sector.”

A long-awaited investment

The project comes after previous redevelopment plans were abandoned in 2024 because of rising construction costs.

Now, with work underway, Harrogate is finally set to receive the modern conference facilities many in the town have long called for.

The refurbishment is expected to be completed next spring, creating a venue that’s better equipped to host major conferences while strengthening Harrogate’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading destinations for business events.

Whether you’re attending a conference, exhibiting at an event or simply benefiting from the extra visitors spending money in the town, this is an investment that could have a lasting impact on Harrogate’s future.